A new counseling center has opened in Utah to provide mental health therapy for those who have served in the military. The center provides specialized care outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Salt Lake Veterans Affairs Medical Center has chosen a new contractor to provide sweat lodges and other Native American healing ceremonies. That’s disappointed supporters of Arnold Thomas, who’s been doing it for the past ten years.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City cut the ribbon Friday on its new Mental Health Outpatient Building. As troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan, VA officials say the number of combat troops seeking help is growing.

Steve Young is the Director of Mental Health Services for the VA in Salt Lake City. He says the building they’ve been operating in for 20 years is basically a bunch of old trailers without wheels.